As of July 1, physicians applying for a new medical license must pay for and complete a national criminal background check. The application must be received by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency before scheduling the background check or the process (and cost) will have to be repeated. Cost for background checks range from $50-$75. The law does not apply to renewals or residency permits.

“Applicants also must provide fingerprints after submitting a license application,” explained Julie Reed, ISMA general counsel. “Physicians can schedule an appointment online for fingerprinting at a location and time that is most convenient to them.”

Additionally, the law calls for state police to permanently retain physician fingerprints but separately from those collected for the state central repository for criminal data.

About 34 states require background checks at licensure for health professionals.

Find information on filing a criminal background check on the in.gov website.

ISMA policy on criminal background checks for health care professionals

Resolution 09-03

RESOLVED, that the ISMA encourage legislation in Indiana requiring a nationwide criminal background check on all applicants before hiring into a position in which they may be caring for vulnerable patients; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the ISMA encourage the AMA to support federal legislation requiring a nationwide background check on applicants before hiring into a position in which they may be caring for vulnerable patients; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the ISMA encourage the AMA to support legislation to establish a nationwide criminal database.